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The Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar

By kim, on October 25th, 2011

There are all kinds of flavors of vinegar, and balsamic is one of the healthiest for you. Splashing on your salads with olive oil is just one simple way to use them. Here are recipes to get you moving in new directions with this robust flavored liquid.

THYROID HEALTH

Rebuilding and maintaining your health, brain and body, is the goal when dealing with a thyroid condition. The benefits of ingesting good “real” foods like balsamic vinegar will help you in your daily plan for wellness.

The many flavors of balsamic vinegar are great, but switch to using it for so many health reasons too.

WEIGHT LOSS
Balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute for salad dressing or marinades. When used in place of other dressings or marinades that are more fattening, it results in a lower calorie intake. Balsamic vinegar also works to suppress the body’s appetite and increase the amount of time it takes for the stomach to empty, which can contribute to weight loss by preventing overeating. According to Nutrition Data, balsamic vinegar is a source of calcium, iron, manganese and potassium, which improve the body’s functioning and weight loss abilities.

ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants work to repair damage caused by free radicals, which are products produced by the oxygen used in our body. Balsamic vinegar contains polyphenols, antioxidants that can protect the body from heart disease and cancer. The grapes that are used to make balsamic vinegar also contain antioxidants that fight against cell damage, improve the body’s immune system and make blood platelets more flexible, thus preventing heart or circulation problems.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND DIABETES – BLOOD SUGAR REGULATION
The digestive system can benefit greatly from balsamic vinegar. The vinegar boosts the activity of pepsin, an enzyme that breaks protein down into smaller amino acids that can be more easily absorbed by the body. Pepsin helps to improve the body’s metabolism as well. Balsamic vinegar can also improve insulin sensitivity for diabetics, allowing for an easier regulation of blood sugar and reducing unpleasant side effects from diabetes.